Sports goal including a rebounder for returning a scoring object to a player

ABSTRACT

A rebounder for use with a sport goal that receives a scoring object. The sport goal includes a goal frame having a left upright member, a right upright member and a crossbar extending between the left upright member and the right upright member. The goal frame further includes an open area for receiving a scoring object. The rebounder includes a rebound member for returning a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impacts the rebound member. The rebound member has a tension member. The tension member is configured to return a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impacts the tension member. The rebound member further includes at least one connector for connecting the rebound member to the sports goal such that the position of the rebound member relative to the sports goal can be adjusted while the rebound member is attached to the sports goal. Preferably, the rebounder can be readily collapsed and moved to a storage position while connected to the sport goal. In the storage position, the rebounder does not obstruct the sport goal. Preferably, the rebounder is configured to be removably attached to a sport goal with little or no alteration to the sport goal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to sports goals and a rebounder forreturning a scoring object to a player. Preferably, the rebounder ispivotally connected to the sport goal so that it can be moved between astorage position and at least one operating position. The rebounder ispreferably configured such that it can be used with an official sizesport goal with minimal or no alteration to the sport goal. In the mostpreferred form of the present invention, the sport goal is a lacrossegoal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous sports that require players to direct a scoringobject into a goal. These sports include but are not limited tolacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey and soccer. While the presentinvention is not limited to a particular sport, it is extremely wellsuited for sports like lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey and soccer.There is a significant need for equipment that will allow sportparticipants to hone their skills, particularly those skills directed toscoring.

One sport that the present invention is particularly well suited toassist players in improving their scoring skills is lacrosse. Lacrosseis one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. Youthparticipation in lacrosse has grown over five hundred percent since 1999to nearly 250,000 participants. No sport has grown faster at the highschool level over the past ten years and there are now an estimated200,000 high school players. Lacrosse is also the fastest growing sportover the last six years at the NCAA level. There are estimated to beover five hundred college club programs including some two hundredwomen's teams.

There are a number of lacrosse goals presently on the market. Examplesof lacrosse goals that are presently available can be seen atwww.Lacrosse.com. A number of existing lacrosse goals do not have anyability to rebound the lacrosse ball to the player. While rebounders areavailable as can be seen at www.Lacrosse.com, existing rebounders sufferfrom a number of drawbacks. For example, some existing rebounders suchas freestanding rebounders are not representative of an official sizegoal. This is disadvantageous as it requires the purchase of both arelatively expensive freestanding rebounder as well as an official sizegoal significantly increasing the costs to schools and organizationsseeking to improve the skills of their lacrosse players. Also, someexisting rebounders merely roll the ball back to the shooter. Further,existing rebounders are not configured to be used with official sizelacrosse goals with minimal or no alteration to the lacrosse goals.Moreover, existing rebounders do not permit the return path (i.e., thepath the ball is returned to the shooter) to be readily andsignificantly varied. These are just some of the drawbacks of existingsystems that the preferred form of the present invention is designed toovercome.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and unobvioussport goal and rebounder for returning a scoring object to a player.

Another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is toprovide a rebounder that can be readily attached to an official sizesports goal.

A further object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention isto provide a rebounder that when attached to a sports goal can bereadily moved between a first operating position in which the rebounderwill return a scoring object to a shooter and a second storage positionin which the rebounder does not obstruct the scoring area of the sportgoal.

Yet another object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention isto provide an rebounder that allows a user to readily adjust the paththat the scoring object is returned to the user.

Still a further object of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is to provide a rebounder that can be readily stored when notin use.

These and other objects of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention will be readily understood from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments. It must be understood that noone embodiment of the present invention need include all of theaforementioned objects of the present invention. Rather, a givenembodiment may include one or none of the aforementioned objects.Accordingly, these objects are not to be used to limit the scope of theclaims of the present invention.

In summary, one preferred embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a sport goal for receiving a scoring object. The sport goalincludes a goal frame having a left upright member, a right uprightmember and a crossbar extending between the left upright member and theright upright member. The goal frame further includes an open area forreceiving a scoring object. A rebound member is removably connected tothe goal frame for returning a scoring object to a player when thescoring object impacts the rebound member. The rebound member furtherincludes a rebound frame and a tension member operably associated withthe rebound frame. The tension member is configured to return a scoringobject to a player when the scoring object impacts the tension member.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to arebounder for use with a sport goal that receives a scoring object. Thesport goal includes a goal frame having a left upright member, a rightupright member and a crossbar extending between the left upright memberand the right upright member. The goal frame further includes an openarea for receiving a scoring object. The rebounder includes a reboundmember for returning a scoring object to a player when the scoringobject impacts the rebound member. The rebound member has a tensionmember. The tension member is configured to return a scoring object to aplayer when the scoring object impacts the tension member. The reboundmember further includes at least one connector for connecting therebound member to the sports goal such that the position of the reboundmember relative to the sports goal can be adjusted while the reboundmember is attached to the sports goal.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to arebounder for use with a sport goal that receives a scoring object. Thesport goal includes a goal frame having a left upright member, a rightupright member and a crossbar extending between the left upright memberand the right upright member. The goal frame further includes an openarea for receiving a scoring object. The rebounder includes a reboundmember for returning a scoring object to a player when the scoringobject impacts the rebound member. The rebound member has a tensionmember. The tension member is configured to return a scoring object to aplayer when the scoring object impacts the tension member. The reboundmember further includes at least first and second sections. The firstsection is connected to the second section such that the first sectioncan move relative to the second section. The second section has at leastone leg for supporting the rebound member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rebounder formed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a rebounder and lacrosse goal formed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention with therebounder in one of numerous operating positions.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a rebounder and lacrosse goal formed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention with aportion of the netting of the lacrosse goal removed so that therebounder in its storage position can be readily seen.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a rebounder and lacrosse goal formed inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention with aportion of the netting of the lacrosse goal removed and the rebounderdepicted in a number of positions including a storage position,partially folded positions and one of numerous operating positions.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view depicting one of two preferredconnecting members for removably connecting the rebounder to a lacrossegoal with all netting removed so that the preferred manner of connectioncan be readily seen.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view depicting one of twopreferred connecting members for removably connecting the rebounder to alacrosse goal with all netting removed so that the preferred manner ofconnection can be readily seen.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred form of one oftwo retaining members for holding the rebounder in a preferred storageposition.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lacrosse goal and rebounder formed inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present inventionwith the netting of the lacrosse goal removed so that the rebounder canbe readily seen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The preferred forms of the invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 1-8. The appended claims are not limited to thepreferred forms and no term and/or phrase used herein is to be given ameaning other than its ordinary meaning unless it is expressly statedthat the term and/or phrase shall have a special meaning.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a rebounder A formed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in one ofmany possible configurations. Rebounder A includes a frame B and nettingC connected to frame B. Rebounder A is pivotally connected to a lacrossegoal D by connectors 2 and 4. While only the details of connector 2 areillustrated (see FIGS. 5 and 6), connector 4 is identical to connector2. This connection allows the rebounder A to be readily moved between astorage position depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 and numerous operatingpositions. It will be readily appreciated that any suitable connectorsmay be used for connecting rebounder A to lacrosse goal D.

Preferably, lacrosse goal D is the same size as an official sizelacrosse goal (i.e., 6′ wide, 6′ high and 7′ deep). The lacrosse goalpreferably includes a left post 6, a right post 8, a crossbar 9, a pairof inclined support members 10 and 12 and a pair of horizontallyextending support members 14 and 16. Lacrosse goal D may be formed asone piece or multiple interconnected pieces. While a lacrosse goal isdisclosed as the most preferred type of sport goal, it will be readilyappreciated that the sport goal can be any type of goal in whichrebounding of a scoring object to a shooter is desired.

Referring to FIG. 1, frame B of rebounder A includes a first section 18and a second section 20. The second section 20 is pivotally connected tothe lower portion of first section 18 such that the second section 20can move relative to the first section 18 between a storage position inwhich the second section 20 is folded on the first section 18 (see FIG.3) and a position in which the second section 20 is aligned with thefirst section 18 (identified by reference letter E in FIG. 4). Stops 22and 24 restrict the outward rotation of second section 20.

When rebounder A is in the storage position, first section 18 is alignedwith inclined support members 10 and 12. Second section 20, in thestorage position, is disposed above inclined support members 10 and 12as is seen in FIG. 4. By storing rebounder A in this manner, rebounder Adoes not obstruct lacrosse goal D in any way when not in use. Referringto FIG. 7, inclined support members 10 and 12 have a retaining member 26pivotally connected thereto. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, when rebounderA is in the storage position, retaining members 26 extend under thecorresponding portion of first section 18 to support rebounder A in aposition that does not obstruct lacrosse goal D in any respect. It willbe readily appreciated that the retaining members 26 may be pivotallysecured to the frame B as opposed to lacrosse goal D.

Second section 20 of frame B includes adjustable legs 28 and 30. As legs28 and 30 are of an identical construction, only leg 28 will bedescribed in detail. Leg 28 includes a first portion 32 that is slidablyreceived within a second portion 34. Second portion 34 includes aplurality of openings 36 extending therethrough. First portion 32 alsoincludes the same number and size of openings extending therethrough. Asuitable retaining member (e.g. a pin) is inserted through a desiredopening in second portion 34 and first portion 32 to achieve the desiredlength of leg 28. By adjusting the length of legs 28 and 30, theposition of rebounder A may be readily varied. For example, by adjustinglegs 28 and 30, rebounder A can be aligned with posts 6 and 8,positioned to extend forward of posts 6 and 8 or positioned to extendrearward of posts 6 and 8. By varying the orientation of rebounder A,the return path of the scoring object can be readily varied.

Referring to FIG. 1, netting C can extend beyond the outer perimeter offrame B. Netting C may also include a border 35 formed of a suitablematerial (e.g., elastomeric material) with hooks 36 secured to andextending outwardly from border 35. Referring to FIG. 1, hooks 36 engagethe corresponding posts 6 and 8 so that netting C covers areas outsidethe perimeter of frame B. When rebounder A is in the storage position,hooks 36 on one side of frame B may be interlocked with hooks 36 on theother side of frame B.

As seen in FIG. 8, netting C need not extend outside the perimeter offrame B. It will also be appreciated that netting C may be connected toframe B in any suitable manner. Further, the tension of netting C may bevaried as desired to vary the rate at which the scoring object isreturned to the shooter. Moreover, the size of the openings in thenetting may be varied as the size of the scoring object varies toprevent the scoring object from passing through any opening in nettingC.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, itis understood that the preferred design can be further modified oradapted following in general the principles of the invention andincluding but not limited to such departures from the present inventionas come within the known or customary practice in the art to which theinvention pertains. The claims are not limited to the preferredembodiment and have been written to preclude such a narrow constructionusing the principles of claim differentiation.

1. A sport goal for receiving a scoring object, said sport goalcomprising: (a) a goal frame including a left upright member, a rightupright member and a crossbar extending between said left upright memberand said right upright member, said goal frame further including an openarea for receiving a scoring object; and, (b) a rebound member removablyconnected to said goal frame for returning a scoring object to a playerwhen the scoring object impacts said rebound member, said rebound memberfurther including a rebound frame and a tension member operablyassociated with said rebound frame, said tension member being configuredto return a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impactssaid tension member.
 2. A sport goal, as set forth in claim 1, furtherincluding: (a) goal netting operably associated with said goal frame,said goal netting and said goal frame defining a goal area; and, (b)said rebound member being pivotally connected to said goal frame suchthat the position of said rebound member relative to said open area ofsaid sports goal can be readily varied.
 3. A sport goal, as set forth inclaim 1, further including: (a) means for varying the position of saidrebound member relative to said goal frame to vary the return path ofthe scoring object back to the player.
 4. A sport goal, as set forth inclaim 3, wherein: (a) said means for varying includes at least oneadjustable leg.
 5. A sport goal, as set forth in claim 1, furtherincluding: (a) means for permitting said rebound member to be moved froma storage position in which the open area of said sport goal isunobstructed by said rebound member and an operational position in whichsaid rebound member is positioned adjacent said open area to permit ascoring object to be returned to a player when the scoring objectimpacts said rebound member, said rebound member being connected to saidsport goal in both said storage position and said operational position.6. A sport goal, as set forth in claim 5, further including: (a) meansfor holding said rebound member in said storage position.
 7. A sportgoal, as set forth in claim 6, wherein: (a) said sport goal is alacrosse goal; and, (b) a first portion of said rebound member istapered such that said first portion when in said storage positionconforms to the shape of an adjacent portion of said lacrosse goal.
 8. Arebounder for use with a sport goal which receives a scoring object, thesport goal includes a goal frame having a left upright member, a rightupright member and a crossbar extending between the left upright memberand the right upright member, the goal frame further including an openarea for receiving a scoring object, said rebounder comprising: (a) arebound member for returning a scoring object to a player when thescoring object impacts said rebound member, said rebound member having atension member, said tension member being configured to return a scoringobject to a player when the scoring object impacts said tension member,said rebound member further including at least one connector forconnecting said rebound member to the sports goal such that the positionof the rebound member relative to the sports goal can be adjusted whilesaid rebound member is attached to the sports goal.
 9. A rebound member,as set forth in claim 8, further including: (a) a rebound frame operablyassociated with said tension member, said rebound frame includes a firstsection and a second section section, said first section being connectedto said second section such that said first section can move relative tosaid second section.
 10. A rebound member, as set forth in claim 9,wherein: (a) said first section is pivotally connected to said secondsection such that said first section and said second section can befolded onto each other when said rebound member is not in use.
 11. Arebound member, as set forth in claim 10, wherein: (a) said firstsection and said second section each include a tension member configuredto return a scoring object back to a player.
 12. A rebound member, asset forth in claim 11, wherein: (a) said second section includes atleast one support leg that engages a playing surface when said reboundmember is in use.
 13. A rebound member, as set forth in claim 12,wherein: (a) the length of said at least one support leg is adjustableto permit the angle the rebound member forms with the playing surface tobe varied.
 14. A rebounder for use with a sport goal which receives ascoring object, the sport goal includes a goal frame having a leftupright member, a right upright member and a crossbar extending betweenthe left upright member and the right upright member, the goal framefurther including an open area for receiving a scoring object, saidrebounder comprising: (a) a rebound member for returning a scoringobject to a player when the scoring object impacts said rebound member,said rebound member having a tension member, said tension member beingconfigured to return a scoring object to a player when the scoringobject impacts said tension member, said rebound member furtherincluding at least first and second sections, said first section beingconnected to said second section such that said first section can moverelative to said second section, said second section having at least oneleg for supporting said rebound member.
 15. A rebound member, as setforth in claim 14, further including: (a) a substantially rigid framefor supporting said tension member; and, (b) a connector for removablyconnecting said rebound member to the sport goal.
 16. A rebound member,as set forth in claim 14, wherein: (a) said second section includes atleast two support legs, each of said support legs includes a firstsegment and a second segment, said first segment is movable relative tosaid second segment to vary the length of each of said two support legs.17. A rebound member, as set forth in claim 16, wherein: (a) said secondsection includes a rod that extends between said two support legs andmaintains said two support legs at a desired length.
 18. A reboundmember, as set forth in claim 17, wherein: (a) each of said firstsegment and said second segment of said two support legs includes aplurality of openings; and, (b) said rod includes first and second ends,said first end of said rod extends into one opening in said firstsegment and one opening in said second segment of one of said twosupport legs, said second end of said rod extends into one opening insaid first segment and one opening in said second segment of the otherof said two support legs.
 19. A rebound member, as set forth in claim16, wherein: (a) at least one of said two support legs includes meansfor preventing said rebound member from moving along the playing surfacewhen in use.
 20. A rebound member, as set forth in claim 14, wherein:(a) said first section is pivotally connected to said second sectionsuch that said first section and said second section can be folded ontoeach other when not in use; and, (b) a stop member fixed to said firstsection, said second section being disposed relative to said stop membersuch that said second section can move approximately 180 degrees betweena storage position and an operational position.